Hi Gayle
My Alex had induction chemo followed by chemorads which began in March 2010 and finished in August 2010, so I may be able to help with your questions.
Glad to hear you are now more comfortable with your docs - this is nearly as important as the actual treatment!!
For your information the side effects of chemo (depending on the regimen) tend to hit just before the end of week one, continue for week two and then week three is an almost normal feeling. My Alex always felt "like a box of birds" on chemo day and the day after because of all the hydration the nurses forced through his system. He also welcomed chemo days, even though they made him so sick, because he felt he was actively combating the tumour.
The drugs given for nausea were very effective so the main issue was the fatigue. Alex also started suffering with thick stringy mucous during chemo. Advice on these boards suggested that Alex was a bit unusual in this respect as this usually happens during chemo-radiation but if this happens to your husband, at least you know where to come for advice.
Some words of advice
1. Make sure the anti-nausea meds are taken - don't let your husband wait to feel sick and then take them. Like pain, it is more difficult to get side effects back under control than to take the drugs before they take hold.
2. Keep eating as much as possible - doesn't matter what as long as it has calories.
3. Drink, drink, drink. In my opinion, this was the single most important thing that determined the difference between a "leave me alone so I can die in peace" day and "I might take a walk today and meet you at the office" day.
I don't know how your husband is, but my Alex seemed to associate the taking of any pills with weakness which took some beating out of him. Luckily for him, he had an arrogant bullying Carer who knew better than him at the time
Good luck with next week and come back here to ask or vent. Do not concern yourself with sounding self centred - we have all been there and know that the centre of your universe will be your husband for a while. There is no one here who will think your are being selfish or ignorant.
